Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Weber.
Hi Erika, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a child growing up in New Jersey, I was quite active and involved in sports, but dancing was my true passion. To support my dream, my parents enrolled me in dance classes in NYC, where I eventually auditioned for musical theatre shows and was accepted into the theatre department at Pace University. After completing my degree, I spent 10 years traveling the world as a professional dancer, ultimately finishing my theatre career on Broadway in Fame the Musical.
As a dancer, I relied on acupuncture to aid my body in healing from injuries sustained on stage. When I decided to retire from dancing, I was so impressed with the benefits of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine that I returned to school to study ancient healing art. In 2007, I opened my acupuncture practice named 16th St Acupuncture in NYC. Thanks to my connections in the Broadway community, my business quickly took off. I expanded my offerings by hiring more acupuncturists and a massage therapist while also appearing on local TV to educate audiences about holistic medicine. 16th St Acupuncture became one of the top acupuncture practices in NYC, where media companies such as CBS, MTV, Reuters, Business Insider, and Chedder News would come to us regularly asking us to do segments on cupping or trending holistic treatments.
However, when the pandemic hit, I decided to close my business of 14 years in NYC and relocate to Florida to be closer to family. I joined Sunshine Healing Arts in Atlantic Beach, where I could focus on achieving a better work-life balance.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Over the years, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges. During my dancing days, I often auditioned for countless shows without landing a single gig, which was tough on my self-esteem. But because I thrive on challenges, I persisted and eventually found success. Similarly, when I started 16th St Acupuncture, I tried various unsuccessful marketing strategies in the first five years. It was stressful, but I remained proactive by using quiet days to catch up on administrative tasks and explore new ways to promote my business. I remained committed and breathed new life into the practice until it took on a life of its own. When the pandemic hit, it was devastating. All the hard work, time, and effort put into my business was gone in a blink of an eye. I still look back with a heavy heart, but I always look ahead to see where the next adventure lies. I remain optimistic and focused on the future and its exciting possibilities.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As an acupuncturist and practitioner of Chinese Medicine, I possess expertise in releasing myofascial trigger points, which can alleviate pain-related conditions. My forte lies in rendering speedy solutions for professional athletes and dancers requiring quick recovery. As a former dancer and athlete, I have sustained numerous injuries, enabling me to empathize and assist my clients efficiently. Yet, as a lifelong learner and entrepreneur, I am continuously expanding my knowledge base and services to serve my clients better. I’m currently enrolled in the Functional Medicine University, where I will use this degree to do online health coaching and Functional Medicine consultations. This is a deeper Western medicine approach of reading specific lab work in order to get to the root of the clients health related issues.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Emphasize the significance of your values, as they will serve as your anchor during trying times when the things you hold dear are no longer present, bolstering your sense of self-worth.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://
sunshinehealingfl.com - Instagram: @dr_erikaweber
Image Credits
Jerry Boward
